By Al Hain-Cole

0

Dec 20, 2012 09:53:00

Both sides are desperate for points in order to haul themselves into promotion contention, and Al Hain-Cole thinks both defences could be busy when they go head-to-head

Wolves' trip to Blackpool represents a clash between two Championship promotion hopefuls with plenty of catching up to do if they are to gain ground on the sides currently occupying the play-off places.

After a shaky September and October, Blackpool are now unbeaten in the seven league games since the appointment of Michael Appleton, and are favourites at 11/10 (2.10) with Bet365 to secure a victory in this game.

That upturn in results since The Seasiders’ managerial change will worry Wolves boss Stale Solbakken, who is under pressure after presiding over just two wins in the last 12.

The Midlanders have lost five of their last six on the road, and are unsurprisingly the outsiders at 23/10 (3.30) to pick up all three points in Lancashire.

Five of the last six matches at Bloomfield Road have ended in a draw, and you can get odds of 5/2 (3.50) on another stalemate taking place in this encounter.

The Tangerines’ reputation for attacking football that was fostered under former boss Ian Holloway still holds true today, as only the top two have outscored them in the Championship this season.

They should have some joy against a Wolves side that have conceded 11 goals in their last six away games. But with just four clean sheets in 22 this term, they may struggle to keep Kevin Doyle and Co. at bay themselves.

There have been at least three goals scored in four of the hosts’ last six at home, as well as four of the visitors’ last six on the road, so odds of 7/10 (1.70) seem very inviting on over 2.5 goals going in this match.

This bet would have paid out in the last three meetings between these two sides too.

One man who has bolstered the Blackpool attack even further recently is Wes Thomas, who arrived on loan from Bournemouth last month.

The striker has made an immediate impression after stepping up the divisions, grabbing the first goal on his full debut and opening the scoring in his first home start last weekend.

Considering his hot form, the forward offers exceptional value at 6/1 (7.00) to get the ball rolling in this match, and is well worth a value bet at that price.

Al Hain-Cole is a Liverpool fan, experienced tipster and avid follower of European football. He specialises in accumulators and if you would like to read more from Al you can follow him on Twitter here.